Cancellation Policy: A $35.00 fee is charged for course date transfers. 60% of the course cost can be refunded up to 30 days prior to the course start. No refunds are provided for cancellations made less than 30 days prior to the start of the course for which you are registered.

Description

This Course is in partnership with Sun Valley Guides

The Venue

THIS PRO 1 WILL BE LOCATED IN HISTORIC SUN VALLEY, IDAHO. WE ARE PARTNERING UP WITH SUN VALLEY HELI SKI, STELLR MEDIA AND SUN VALLEY GUIDES. THIS COURSE WILL INCLUDE HELICOPTER ACCESS AND MOTORIZED ACCESS TO 750,000 SQUARE ACRES, BY FAR THE LARGEST HELI TERRAIN IN THE LOWER 48.

INTERESTED IN A CAREER IN BIG MOUNTAIN SKI GUIDING? THIS IS THE COURSE FOR YOU.

Course Description

This course is designed for avalanche workers just starting in the field. You will learn how to work on a team under direct supervision from a Team Lead. This course covers a lot of the important fundamentals of understanding and managing avalanches. Students learn how avalanche work from a more technical understanding. Students learn how to recognize avalanche terrain, travel through terrain and document snow, avalanche and weather phenomena to the US Industry standard. Upon successful completion of a written test and field test students are awarded certification recognized by the American Avalanche Association.

Learning Outcomes/Student Proficiencies:

Skills Learned:

Observe, record and evaluate weather data

Observe, record and evaluate snowpack data

Observe, record and evaluate avalanche occurrence data

Identify analyze and document avalanche hazard factors

Communicate the avalanche risk between team members

Identify and apply strategies to mitigate bias to individual and team decisions

Identify and characterize avalanche terrain

Travel safely and effectively over snow in mountainous terrain

Demonstrate basic knowledge of avalanche formation and release

Demonstrate small party avalanche rescue and response

Marking and Evaluation: 70% total marks are required to pass the course. Specific categories requiring a “categorical pass” of 70% to pass the course include: station weather observations, snow profiles and snowpack tests, and the written exam.

Skills are taught to the standards documented in the Snow Weather and Avalanches: Observational Guidelines for Avalanche Programs in the United States (SWAG 3rd edition).

Student Requirements for Enrollment: Course applicants have completed the following AAA-recognized courses prior to enrollment:

Level 1 Avalanche Fundamentals (AIARE or AAI or AAA approved)

Avalanche Rescue Fundamentals (AAA approved)

AND

One winter season (20 days or more) of relevant experience (demonstrated through one of following).

Prior avalanche work experience;

OR

A supervised unpaid work internship in the guiding/avalanche industry supported by a letter of reference;